Looking to get away and reconnect with nature? Cabin camping near Shippensburg is the perfect choice. The Dyrt can help you find the best cabin camping destinations for your next trip. The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect cabin rental near Shippensburg.
The 1,125-acre Caledonia State Park is in Adams and Franklin counties, midway between Chambersburg and Gettysburg along the Lincoln Highway, US 30.
The park is nestled within South Mountain, the northern terminus of the well-known Blue Ridge Mountain of Maryland and Virginia. Within South Mountain there are four state parks and 84,000 acres of state forest land waiting to be explored and enjoyed. The soils on either side of South Mountain are ideal for fruit production, proven by the abundance of orchards in the surrounding area.
Flush toilets, warm showers, some electric hook-ups
This activity or structure is ADA accessible.
Seventy tent and trailer sites are available from late March to mid-December.
Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. A sanitary dump station is near the campground entrance.
A seasonal camp store is one quarter-mile from the campground.
Pets are permitted on designated campsites for a fee.
$28 / night
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
$10 / night
$15 - $130 / night
Cowans Gap State Park is a diverse landscape nestled within the scenic Allens Valley of Fulton County. Campers come to enjoy the park’s 1,085 acres which offer a large lake, a full-size campground, provincial lodges, and many climbing trails throughout. Aside from the attractions, Buchanan State Forest encompasses the park, offering up fun and beauty regardless of the season. Open every day of the year, the park is a great place to visit for day-trip recreation. That said, if planning to camp here you’ll want to prepare in advance as campsite availability changes by the season.
One of the unique offerings that Cowans Gap features is a number of environmental educational programs for the local public. These programs serve to help the pubic, especially the youth, foster a sense of responsibility for the nature that surrounds them every day. There are guided walks, hands-on activities, and even evening programs for those up to it.
Aside from the educational opportunities, Cowans Gap is also right in the center of over 71,000+ acres of protected land thanks to Buchanan State Forest. There are 19 tracts of forest which occupy the acreage, showcasing numerous ravines, gulches, and brooks as well as groves of pine, hemlock, and maple.
Subsequently, this wild and rugged backdrop attracts hikers, campers, fishers, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over. A number of state game lands located nearby are also popular visiting places for season hunters looking to bag an elk or other large game.
Within the campground itself, there’s a variety of fun activities to get in on. During the winter, the park lake freezes making it perfect for ice-fishing and other winter fun. There’s also a maintained skating rink, so you can even come and ice-skate or play a quick game of hockey.
It’s during the warmer months however that Cowans Gap state park really starts to shine. Once the lake unfreezes, campers flock for kayaking, canoeing, and pedal boating. The campground itself starts to bustle as children and families visit the local volleyball courts, and check out the nearby trails on Horseback. The lake offers a sandy beach area to recreate, as well as a pier for fishers to get easier access to deep water.
Campsites are fully serviced here, and spacious enough to accommodate most families. There are restrooms available throughout the park, and a full-service concession stand for firewood and other conveniences. There are also cabins available for rental, but like most parks be sure to plan ahead as they tend to fill up quick.
$29 / night
If you are looking for a fun way to spend time with your family and friends outdoors, you will love everything the Gettysburg/Battlefield KOA has to offer. When you choose to go camping in Gettysburg, you get to enjoy a tranquil nature retreat while learning about one of the most important historical events of the nation's Civil War era. Gettysburg/Battlefield KOA is a campground near downtown Gettysburg that is built for campers of all types and experience levels. Situated just five miles from downtown Gettysburg, Gettysburg/Battlefield KOA gives you access to all the local attractions while ensuring you have a peaceful camping experience.
You can secure a site for rugged tent camping, luxurious RV glamping or even cabin camping, depending on your party's preferences. Regardless of what type of camping experience you choose, you will have access to many modern amenities and conveniences, including essentials such as Wi-Fi and a laundry room. You can even participate in planned activities at our campground or rent bicycles for a unique way to tour the Gettysburg area.
Located just 3 miles West of the center of town, our Gettysburg Campground is bordered by beautiful Marsh Creek, with both shady or sunny RV sites, and a primitive tent area along the creek. We offer 260 sites, accommodating everything from a tent to literally any size RV. Gettysburg Campground is also the only campground in Gettysburg with an on-site RV repair facility. We also have rustic cabins and full-facility cottages
Welcome to Artillery Ridge Campground! Located upon the very grounds of the Union Artillery Reserve, we are conveniently located within walking distance to Gettysburg Battlefield trails, museums, & monuments. We offer a variety of full hook up RV sites and tent camping. No gear, no problem! Relax in one of our themed cabins. We are also the only campground in Gettysburg, PA with overnight accommodations for horses. Known for our long-standing relationships with camping tourists, families and groups, come see why it’s going to be a great time camping with us!
$21 - $65 / night
The 3,500-acre Codorus State Park is in the rolling hills of southern York County.
The 1,275-acre Lake Marburg has 26 miles of shoreline and is a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. The lake is also popular with sail and motor boaters.
Anglers love the lake for warmwater fishing and can also fish Codorus Creek for trout.
Picnicking, swimming in the pool, and camping are popular activities.
$4 - $19 / night
Traveler
We have stayed in the camping cabins here multiple times. We love the animals and activities for the kids. Fall is the best at this campground with the trick or treating and haunted house.
Guide
Olive Green cabin, owned/operated by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club is a two floor primitive cabin near Frederick, Maryland. It's a log cabin that was built around the mid-1860's. The last private owner, Olive Green lived in it until the 1980's (I think) when she was still living primitively without electricity or water. She grew her own food and had livestock on her property. The cabin itself is stocked with various cookware (including cast iron), bed frames, tables, chairs, books and games. We went in December after a storm and needed to shovel our way to the outhouse. Manual labor is not a bad thing! The opportunity to stay here and live primitively for a weekend was nice. The only downside is that the cabin is not effectively insulated, with numerous holes between the logging that lets a good amount of cold air in at night. There is also a wood burning stove on the first floor that's great for cooking on, but doesn't produce a lot of heat that needs to make its way to the sleeping quarters in the loft.
Legend
Site Details: We stayed in the Dragonfly camping cottage (quick weekend trip without the husband, and I’m not quite up for towing and setting up the popup by myself with 3 kids!). It was a standard rustic-type state park cabin, with one double bed, one single twin bunk, and one regular set of bunk beds, so it sleeps 5-6 comfortably. There was also a sturdy dining room table with chairs and an oscillating fan inside. Electricity/lights and heat, but no AC. Very clean inside. The cabin also had a really nice front porch, picnic table, and fire ring, and was situated with a beautiful lake view. The area we were in contained both rustic cabins and yurts (which looked really neat).
Facilities/Overall Park: Multiple bath houses were scattered among various loops, and each one we visited was very old, dim and drab, but they were also spacious and reasonably clean. Showers all had old rust and water stains. However, it was nice that there were so many of them, because this is a very large state park with multiple camping loops. Most tent and basic RV sites were shaded and private, while the newer FHU sites were more open (but still nicely spaced). Hosts and rangers were nice, but not very helpful or proactive when they needed to correct a reservation mistake they made (but it worked out in the end). There is a beautiful lake with a really nice day area in the center of the park, with a great playground and concession stand. The lake is popular for fishing and swimming, although there is oddly no sand beach; swimmers just entered the water straight from the grass.
Surrounding Area/Attractions: Not much going on in the immediate vicinity, but Harrisburg, Amish country, and Hershey are all doable day trips from the park. We were here just for the Hershey RV show, and it was an easy 40-minute drive.
Overall, this was a very pretty park with site options for every type of camper, but certain elements are in need of updating. I don’t think I’d go out of my way to make this park a destination, but it’s a nice option as a base camp for visiting the RV show or other attractions (with a much cheaper price tag than the private CGs closer to the action).
Scout
This campground is located on the east side of Pennsylvania and offers a beautiful view of Lake Raystown. The campground has over 200 sites to choose from, and many of them are right on the water. There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing and my favorite thing to do Mt Biking. Raystown lake is also a really nice boating lake. The lake is a natural beauty with so many coves and inlets for the biggest of boats to enjoy. They do have a camping resort on the other side of the lake which makes it nice for anyone looking for rustic cabins or cabin rentals.
There are 50 miles of single track mountain biking at this campground. They are some of the best flow trails on the East coast and are the# 1 trail system in Pennsylvania. This is a family friendly campground and has so much to offer. There are volleyball nets, playgrounds, kayak and paddleboard rentals. The kids took a kayak over to an island and spent the afternoon cliff jumping with a 10 ft and 25 ft cliff to launch off of. The sites here are some of the nicest we have ever seen. They are all big and private with stunning views of Raystown Lake. There are steps down from your camper to a pad with a fire pit and area for a tent. You are literally 10 feet away from the water as you enjoy a sunset while sitting around the fire. The lake is a great place to kayak, paddleboard, or just relax and enjoy the view. We love coming here and spending our weekends on the lake. All tent sites are equipped with picnic tables and most sites are electric. looking for other epic reviews check out the top ten campgrounds in PA https://www.longdaycampingco.com/post/10-best-campsites-in-pennsylvania-gorgeous-sites-to-enjoy-the-outdoors
Guide
We stayed in a lovely cabin here while I was in town for work. My husband enjoyed the pool with the kids during the day and when I was there we enjoyed shuffleboard, mini golf and hiking together. The cabin was clean and well maintained and the cabins are at the top of the hill but that made for a beautiful view and we felt like we were away from everyone else. I wasn't as fond of the camper sites they seemed kind of close together but the cabins were amazing.
Traveler
We camped in on of the cabins overnight on a recent road trip. Cabins are nice and spacious, bath facilities are some of the best I've seen. We didn't;t get to explore since we were traveling, but there's plenty to do in the area.
Guide
I camped near Chimney rocks and Hermitage cabin and the place is truly magnificent. If you want to stay at the cabin, it looks super cute. If not, there’s a few campsites just a little bit down, close to the river and large enough for 4 double tents. There’s a lot to do near by with a town not too far away. I definitely recommend paying this place a visit!
Guide
I prefer the campground just up the road but I have stayed here at the resort in cabin.
Nice waterfront at the lower edge of the resort. The cabins were set up above and kind of overlooked down to Raystown lake. You can hear the power boats zipping up and down the lake but it wasn’t annoying.
many roads to explore and a great little restaurant inside the resort if you need tI eat. We had breakfast there and it acceptable.
Scout
I took my grandkids to Buttonwood on August 1st. Thru 4th. 2022. We stayed in their rustic cabin. The cabin was nice and clean. Bathrooms were really clean and had really nice showers. Lots for the kids to do. My grandkids had a blast. My granddaughter said Buttonwood is the best campground. They have, nice pool , miniature golf, laser tag, places to fish, it’s just a friendly and beautiful atmosphere.Would go back. I would recommend Buttonwood to anyone who’s looking for a nice place to camp.
GuideFantastic lake side camping resort. Best for campers or using their cabins but it has freeway access to the lake and beautiful views.
Traveler
Just over an hour from Baltimore or DC. Great for a last minute trip for me. May splurge on a cabin when it's colder.
TravelerPerfect rustic cabin in the woods. It gives the illusion of being secluded even though the road is just on the other side of some trees. You'll get some car sounds for sure, but mostly quiet after dark.
The loft really only slept 2 unless you are ok sleeping on the floor. No running water or electricity. You'll need to bring plenty of flashlights and lanterns as well as water. Everything was clean and nice, including the outhouse.
The porch of the cabin was our main hangout and cooking station as it does get very dark inside. There were still a few nice, late-season pears left under the tree that we very much enjoyed.
Scout
Took a group of Girl Scouts aged 7-10 and they loved it. Cabins were clean, firewood was dry. The park staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful at check in and the next morning.
Scout
Actually I am a work camper, have worked here for 11 seasons. Nice Sites, both RV and tent as well as cabins. I know my opinion is biased, but I keep coming back because it is so great
Guide
Well-appointed, semi-rustic cabins set in Catoctin Mountain. Not far from the Wm. Houck lake area and trailhead to Cunningham Falls.
Our cabin came equipped with A/C and heat, full kitchenette, fireplace, screened in porch, and firepit area (including wood and fire starters!) with seating and picnic table.
Ole Mink Farm is very resort-like with a central pool and clubhouse. They also offer various activities — mainly on weekends — like cornhole tournaments and campfire gatherings.
And I can’t say enough about the customer service!! They take hospitality to whole new levels! We ran into a couple personal snags on our trip, and they were so accommodating. Even when my Mom got sick, they checked in on us and asked about her by name. What a wonderful group of owners!
If you want to “glamp,” I would HIGHLY recommend this place!
Guide
Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain.
This is not a pet friendly loop.
Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.
The site is between two cabins. Not a problem except the cabins were empty and the ac was running. Noisy and kind of wasteful.
There are lots of good hiking trails in the park. It’s a nice walk to the lake. Note that the hike back is 2/3 uphill.
They sell ice at the camp entrance, which is nice.
The bathrooms were moderately clean and had plenty of hot water.
I was not aware that there was a camp host until the third morning as I was readying to leave. I approached another camp to ask a question and they said they were the “camp hosts”.
TravelerIf tenting, be sure to check tent on reservation request. Some spots are too narrow for tenting. Cabins are mainly across lake from campground. Only 2 yurts. Two day use areas. Two swimming areas- one for day use, one just for campers!
Scout
Went up last year around October got a cabin for a week with my family we enjoyed it alot there's alot to do mini golf along with fishing plus movie night who wouldn't want to go well be going next year and doing seasonal
GuideWe stayed for 10 days in a rustic cabin. Campground is well organized and clean. Tons of activities and even a hiking path. Pet friendly with small dog park. We had civil war soldiers drilling and staying the weekend we were there. Bathrooms are super clean.
GuidePark at the lot off Shippensburg road and then hike SOBO a little less than a mile. Lots of nice sites along the creek before you cross the bridge. If you hit the AT shelter you’ve gone too far. Most have fire rings and the stream runs well so no need to pack in water.
ScoutThis campground is always a great place to stay. I've been coming almost annually for years and I always recommend it to anyone local. They offer reasonable prices for cabins and campground spots, and the local town of Dillsburg is perfect for getting late supplies or going to a drive in movie!
Traveler
This campground has tons of nice cabins and tent sites, all in wooded surroundings. There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground. Has a great water park, playground and bounce pad feature. Definitely recommend for families and /or anyone looking for easy convenience camping.
Legend
This is a great campground right at Hershey Park. It had a free shuttle to the park and Chocolate World! Nice sites, but some are pretty close together. Right on a small creek. Most sites are in the shade. Cabins look nice. The arcade barn is a must see for the kids!
Legend
Campground Review: Cowans Gap State Park was pretty awesome. Off the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Fort Littleton, through Burnt Cabin on Rt522, signage the entire way. A drive through the PA mountain-scape, excellent scenery to be seen.
The dog section is 1-30 and a few cabins are offered for them also. No restrictions for dogs on the trails but they are restricted from the rest of the campground.
Several trails to enjoy with easy to very strenuous climbs. Part of the Allegheny trail passes through the Buchanan State Forest, near the campground. Would be a good place to practice your backpacking craft.
New showerhouse facilities which are energy efficient lighting and heating. The water in the shower never gets very warm but they are very clean and well maintained.
There is plenty of water sports at the lake, watercraft, swimming and fishing.
Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I have the opportunity to review some pretty awesome outdoor gear. I received Mishmi Takin hiking boots after winning one of the monthly contests.
I love the color, I’m all about burnt orange. I have large feet and was happy to see that the company offers footwear up to 13.5 in. I ordered an 11, was surprised when they arrived and were a little big on my feet. So you may want to order a 1/2 size down. On the flip side though I put on my thick hiking socks, synched the laces down and they fit fine.
I wore the boots multiple times during our 8 state trip on several different trail types. I was impressed by grip, no slippage on multiple surfaces.
I hate to say it but I have sweaty feet! And wearing thick hiking socks in boots often leaves me with raisinie toes and damp socks/boots at the end of a long hike. I did not experience that problem while wearing the Mishmi Boots though. My feet stayed comfortable and were dry when I pulled the boots off back at camp. I am liking these boots!
Scout
Cedar Creek was amazing and clean. Staff was friendly and courteous. Price is affordable. The only complaint is the neighbor outdoors man sports out door range less than a mile away. Not bothersome or concerned for safety. Just takes away from the rural feel. Cabin was clean and perfect. Grounds were very clean. Toilet and showers clean. Golf carts a little dated but overall good. Night time was serene and quite. Perfect for relaxing.
TravelerLots to do, nice wooded sites. A lot to do within walking distance of your site. When we went the swimming beach was kind of gross but they’ve done some repairs over the past year. Lots of fishing spots. Our friends stayed at a modern cabin and they were really nice too. Enjoyed the outdoor church service that they offer Memorial Day thru Labor Day. And for any homeschoolers there’s a great used bookstore a couple miles away (pa curriculum exchange)
TravelerGambrill State Park is great for those just starting out to camp. It is located in Frederick, about an hour outside of Baltimore and Washington D.C. Though the campground is small, each site looks pretty unique. It offers tent sites, electric sites, and 4 cabins. All of the campsites are pet friendly as is Cabin 18. The restroom facility offer hot showers and multiple stalls. One downside is that there is no dishwashing station. You must bring your own dishwashing tubs.
As it is small and located conveniently off of the highway, it is used by a lot of passerbys. This area is very rich in Civil War history so many people will stay at Gambrill as it is a great middle point between Gettysburg and Antietam Battlefields. Right outside the park is the Frederick watershed where many locals take advantage of the trails for mountain biking. The park itself is well known for hiking trails that take you up and around the mountain. Every hiking trail except for the white trail allows mountain biking and horseback riding. Visit in May and the forest will be filled with songbirds. If you are lucky, you may see foxes and bears along with the standard woodland creatures. If you are extremely lucky, you may see the ever elusive bobcat.
Cabin camping near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cozy accommodations, making it an ideal getaway for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Shippensburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Shippensburg, PA is Caledonia State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 35 reviews.
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